South Africa
Prof. Albert Chakona
Acting Managing Director and Chief Scientist South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) | The National Research Foundation (NRF)
“Without the research and information we provide, we wouldn’t know what to protect. If you don’t have that baseline data on what biodiversity is out there, you can’t even begin to talk about effective conservation and management. This has profound impacts on the rural communities who directly depend on these aquatic resources for survival.”
Key points:
- As a national research facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF), NRF-SAIAB focuses on generating critical data and insights across freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems to guide biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- NRF-SAIAB's work spans mapping critical habitats, monitoring threatened species, combating invasive alien organisms, and exploring the potential of aquatic bioprospecting - all to support South Africa's "blue economy" and food security.
- The Institute plays a crucial role in providing the evidence base for policy decisions, from designating protected areas to permitting economic activities in sensitive aquatic regions.
- Beyond research, NRF-SAIAB is also dedicated to building the next generation of aquatic scientists and biodiversity stewards, especially from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
As custodians of South Africa’s diverse and often unseen aquatic biodiversity, the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) plays a vital role in safeguarding these vital natural resources. In this interview, NRF-SAIAB Acting Managing Director and Chief Scientist Prof. Albert Chakona discusses how the Institute’s cutting-edge research and capacity-building initiatives are supporting the country’s conservation efforts and sustainable development ambitions.
AfricaLive: Can you start by describing the core identity and objectives of the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity?
Prof. Chakona: The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity is one of the national research facilities under the National Research Foundation (NRF). Our primary focus is on generating in-depth knowledge and insights across freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems – from the genetic level all the way to the ecosystem level.
This research is crucial for addressing major challenges around food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. We work closely with government, academia, industry and communities to provide the evidence base needed to inform policy decisions and management strategies.
Ultimately, our goal is to safeguard South Africa’s irreplaceable aquatic biodiversity heritage, while also unlocking the economic potential of these natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner.
AfricaLive: How does NRF-SAIAB’s work contribute to South Africa’s “blue economy” and food security priorities?
Prof. Chakona: In the marine environment, a key aspect of our work involves seafloor mapping to identify critical habitats for important fishery species. This information helps guide the designation of marine protected areas, which are essential for the recovery and sustainability of commercial fish stocks.
We also monitor the movements and habitat use of key marine species over the long-term. This data informs decisions around fisheries management and the expansion of protected areas to ensure their conservation.
On the freshwater side, our research helps local communities and industries like aquaculture understand the distribution of important aquatic species, as well as the threats posed by invasive alien organisms. This knowledge underpins efforts to develop sustainable fisheries and boost food production from aquatic systems.
Importantly, we work closely with government departments to translate our science into effective policy and management strategies. Our data provides an early warning system for emerging challenges, and helps channel limited resources to the areas and species most in need of protection.
AfricaLive: Why is NRF-SAIAB’s aquatic biodiversity research so crucial for South Africa’s overall development?
Prof. Chakona: Water is the cornerstone for any development, yet South Africa faces major challenges around the quantity and quality of its freshwater resources. Our aquatic systems are under immense strain from overallocation, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
Without the research and information we provide, we wouldn’t know what to protect. If you don’t have that baseline data on what biodiversity is out there, you can’t even begin to talk about effective conservation and management. This has profound impacts on the rural communities who directly depend on these aquatic resources for survival.
Our work also helps identify opportunities for sustainable development, whether it’s designating areas suitable for aquaculture or highlighting threatened species that require stronger safeguards. This supports South Africa’s goals around food security, job creation and poverty alleviation.
Ultimately, NRF-SAIAB plays a critical role in giving policymakers and resource managers the tools they need to balance conservation and economic priorities. We’re the only institution on the continent with the advanced capabilities to undertake this kind of comprehensive aquatic biodiversity research.
AfricaLive: Can you highlight some of the institute’s flagship research projects and their real-world impacts?
Prof. Chakona: One of our major initiatives is the aquatic genomics research platform, where we’re doing whole-genome sequencing of diverse marine and freshwater species. This helps us rapidly identify and describe new species, while also enhancing our ability to monitor ecosystems using environmental DNA techniques.
For example, our DNA barcoding work has revealed that many aquatic species previously thought to be widely distributed actually have much narrower ranges. This refines our understanding of endemism and extinction risk – crucial information for guiding conservation efforts.
We’re also using advanced imaging technologies and artificial intelligence to map critical habitats and monitor changes in species populations over time. This data has been directly applied to expanding South Africa’s network of marine protected areas.
On the freshwater side, our long-term monitoring and community engagement efforts have been pivotal in combating the invasive alien species that threaten many of our rivers and lakes. The information we provide helps authorities make more informed decisions around permitting development activities.
Beyond the research itself, I’m extremely proud of NRF-SAIAB’s role in developing the next generation of aquatic scientists and biodiversity stewards, especially from previously disadvantaged communities. Our facilities and mentorship programs are upskilling a diverse cohort of young researchers.
AfricaLive: When you engage with the public, what aspects of South Africa’s aquatic biodiversity tend to surprise people the most?
Prof. Chakona: I think people are often amazed to learn about the incredible diversity and endemism we have, particularly when it comes to our freshwater fishes. Many are unaware that South Africa is home to numerous species found nowhere else on Earth.
For example, the Cape Floristic Region on our southern coast harbors a unique concentration of endemic fish species. And through our DNA barcoding work, we’re continuing to uncover new undescribed species, even in relatively well-studied areas.
Another aspect that tends to surprise people is the passion and knowledge of recreational anglers when it comes to aquatic biodiversity. We recently did a roadshow to launch our newly published third edition of a complete guide of the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa, and the anglers we engaged with were incredibly enthusiastic about cataloguing and understanding the full range of species they encounter.
This points to a growing appreciation for aquatic life that has traditionally been overshadowed by the “big five” charismatic terrestrial megafauna. As we engage more with the public, I’m hopeful we can continue to foster that sense of pride and stewardship for South Africa’s aquatic jewels.
AfricaLive: Looking to the future, what most excites you about the potential of NRF-SAIAB’s work?
Prof. Chakona: I’m really enthusiastic about leveraging emerging technologies like environmental DNA, computer vision and artificial intelligence to expand and accelerate our biodiversity monitoring capabilities. Being able to rapidly detect changes in species compositions and abundances will be transformative for early warning and adaptive management.
The genomics work we’re doing also holds enormous promise, from refining our taxonomy and conservation assessments to potentially unlocking new pharmaceutical and industrial applications through bioprospecting. As the only institution on the African continent with these advanced whole-genome sequencing facilities, we’re truly at the forefront.
But beyond the science, I’m most excited about NRF-SAIAB’s growing role in building human capital and catalysing interdisciplinary collaboration, both within South Africa and across the broader African continent. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert networks are upskilling the next generation of aquatic researchers and resource managers.
Ultimately, I believe NRF-SAIAB’s work is essential for South Africa to sustainably harness its vast aquatic natural wealth – for food, for livelihoods, and for the intrinsic value of conserving this irreplaceable wildlife . With the right strategies and partnerships, the potential is limitless.
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